Growth fuels demand for professionals

Despite the central government's recent austerity measures to curb property speculation, steady economic growth and urbanisation will continue to fuel the property market in the long-term.

To capture and maximise the huge market potential, China Overseas Group has put in place systematic recruitment and training programmes to attract and retain the brightest professionals.

Weymond Lam, deputy general manager for human resources, says two recruitment schemes have been introduced to ensure an uninterrupted supply of professionals. "We recruit university graduates through the `Sons of Sea' programme, and hire experienced professionals through the `Sea's Recruits' scheme," he says.

Human resources manager Ma Yubo says that China Overseas provides systematic and comprehensive training to graduates joining the company. It recruits students from 20 cities every year and provides training to help them develop their skills, while learning about the company culture.

Initiatives are also in place to enhance the quality of existing staff. Training is tailored for general managers who oversee offices by analysing their strengths and weaknesses, and helping them improve their weak spots.

Lam says that general managers are usually promoted from within the group. Most have worked in Hong Kong before receiving training in various aspects, from how to hone their market sense and ways to carry out promotional activities, to knowledge about licensing requirements.

Ma looks for candidates who can identify with the company's culture and who are professional and meticulous. "We attach great importance to producing the finest quality," he says.

The firm started programmes to introduce its history, characteristics and achievements to candidates, Ma adds, and it provides training to university students in their second and third years of study. "Students have two to three years to get to know the company," he says.